Pneumosinus dilatans of the maxillary sinus - Case report

A case of the rare condition pneumosinus dilatans of the maxillary sinus is presented. This is a rare differential diagnosis of a maxillary disease. T he diagnostic imaging features of this condition are described, and a recom mendation of views for adequately delineating this disorder is given. Only a few cases of pneumosinus dilatans of the maxillary sinus are described in the English language literature, and the precise cause and pathogenesis re main obscure. We performed an enlargement of the maxillary ostium in order to increase the ventilation of the paranasal sinus. In the short-term follo w-up, this patient has been asymptomatic. The postulated mechanism of air t rapping in the sinus cavity seems to be logical in this case, because the s ymptoms were eliminated by surgically decompressing the sinus to overcome t his valve mechanism.